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Earbuds go by many different names, including earphones, in-ear headphones, in-ear monitors or simply buds. They also come in all shapes and sizes and can be both wired or wireless, with some variations. Probably the most widely known (and worn) earbuds are the AirPods, which Apple launched in 2016.
Compared to over-ear and on-ear headphones, they offer a more compact, lightweight design that’s easier to set up and store. Earbuds are often cheaper too (usually), and have better stability. Being small does have its disadvantages - namely with sound quality, which can’t match wired headphones - but every music lover should own at least one pair all the same.
Latest about Earbuds & Airpods
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After a few days with AirPods Max 2, Apple’s new over-ear headphones feel familiar, but they're noticeably smarter and more adaptive in everyday use.
'Only limited by the physics': inside Apple’s AirPods Max 2 and the H2 chip upgrade
We spoke with Apple to unpack what's new with AirPods Max 2
Panasonic launches a USB-C version of its cheap wired earbuds
Panasonic has unveiled the ErgoFit In-Ears are coming in a new USB-C form. Goodbye, 3.5mm.
I switched from headphones to earbuds after three years —here's what I learned
From travel convenience to overall aesthetics, here are three things I've missed with using earbuds — and three things I haven't.
Wired earbuds are trendy right now, and this budget set from Sennheiser is all you need
Yes, wired earbuds are trendy again, and this cheap set is all you need for beautiful compression-free audio.
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are a no-brainer for iPhone users — and this Amazon deal makes them even more enticing
The AirPods Pro 3, unfortunately, launched in Australia at a higher price than their predecessor, but this Amazon Big Smile Sale discount makes them a much more attractive proposition.
'An odd choice': Cleer has put audiophile-grade perks in open earbuds, and I'm confused
Cleer Audio's new Arc 5 open earbuds offer THX and Dolby Atmos spatial audio, in a confusing package.
'If anyone can make open earbuds work, it'd be Skullcandy': these new sports-specific buds could dethrone the Shokz — and cost half as much
The Skullcandy Push 540 Open combine old-school tools with Skullcandy magic, and it could give them the gumption to take on the Shokz as our favorite open earbuds.
